CHALLENGE IN KERALA

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28920, 13 June 1959, Page 13

CHALLENGE IN KERALA

Bid To Remove Communists

lN .Z Press Associatum~-Copyright> (Rec. 11.45 p.m.) NEW DELHI, June 12. Kerala State’s 26-month-old Communist Government today faces the biggest challenge of its career with the launching of a non-violent, campaign by the Opposition to remove it or force it to resign. The three main , Opposition parties in the southern Indian State—Congress, Ptaja Socialist, and Muslim League—begin their campaign with the observation of “deliverance day.” Tliey intend to follow it up with prolonged agitation. Kerala is the world’s only State to have voted in a Communist Government in a free general election. During the Communist rule, the Opposition has repeatedly charged the Government with fostering Communist - Party interests, and failing to protect persons and property, particularly opponents of the regime. A "charge sheet” listing Government “misdeeds” will be read to public meetings all over the State today, and there will be resolutions demanding the Government’s resignation. The "charge sheet” alleges that the rule of law has ceased, life and property have no security, corruption is increasing,” and the Communists can commit any crime without fear of prosecution. The Kerala Government and the Indian Communist Party have launched a national propaganda campaign describing the proposed agitation as unconstitutional.